Standard Operating Procedure
Ammonia
This is an SOP template and is not complete until: 1) lab specific information is entered into the box
below 2) lab specific protocol/procedure is added to the protocol/procedure section and
3) SOP has been signed and dated by the PI and relevant lab personnel.
Print a copy and insert into your Lab-Specific Chemical Hygiene Plan.
Section 1 – Lab-Specific Information
Department:
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Date SOP was written:
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Date SOP was approved by PI/lab supervisor:
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Principal Investigator:
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Internal Lab Safety Coordinator/Lab Manager:
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Lab Phone:
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Office Phone:
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Emergency Contact:
(Name and Phone Number)
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Location(s) covered by this SOP:
(Building/Room Number)
Section 2 – Type of SOP:
☐ Process
☒Hazardous Chemical
☐ Hazardous Class
Section 3 – Physical / Chemical Properties
Physical / Chemical Properties:
CAS#: 7664-41-7
GHS Classification: Danger
Molecular Formula: NH3
Form (physical state): Liquefied Compressed Gas
Color: Colorless
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Section 4 – Potential Hazards
Ammonia is a compressed gas that is corrosive, toxic if inhaled, toxic to aquatic life, and may explode if heated.
Exposure to ammonia gas causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Ammonia is corrosive to the respiratory tract.
Exposure Limits:
OSHA PEL (8 HR. TWA):
OSHA Short Term Exposure Limit:
ACGIH TLV/TWA:
50.0 ppm
N/A
25.0 ppm
Ammonia is a compressed gas that is corrosive, toxic if inhaled, toxic to aquatic life, and may explode if heated.
Exposure to ammonia gas causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Ammonia is corrosive to the respiratory tract.
Section 5 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Respirator Protection:
Respirators should be used only under any of the following circumstances:
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As a last line of defense (i.e., after engineering and administrative controls have been exhausted).
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When Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) has exceeded or when there is a possibility that PEL will be
exceeded.
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Regulations require the use of a respirator.
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An employer requires the use of a respirator.
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There is potential for harmful exposure due to an atmospheric contaminant (in the absence of PEL)
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As PPE in the event of a chemical spill clean-up process
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Lab personnel intending to use/wear a respirator mask must be trained and fit-tested by EH&S. Contact
EH&S 8-8411 regarding respirator clearance.
Hand Protection:
Leather gloves for handling cylinders. Rubber or Neoprene gloves, and chemical resistant outer garment should be
worn when connecting or disconnecting cylinders. Check the resources below for a more suitable glove.
NOTE: Consult with your preferred glove manufacturer to ensure that the gloves you plan on using are compatible
with Ammonia.
Refer to glove selection chart from the links below:
http://www.ansellpro.com/download/Ansell_8thEditionChemicalResistanceGuide.pdf
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OR
http://www.showabestglove.com/site/default.aspx
OR
http://www.mapaglove.com/
Eye Protection:
Safety glasses for handling cylinders. Chemical goggles with full faceshield for connecting, disconnecting or
opening cylinders.
Skin and Body Protection: Laboratory coats must be worn and be appropriately sized for the individual and
buttoned to their full length. Personnel must also wear full length pants, or equivalent, and close-toed shoes. Full
length pants and close-toed shoes must be worn at all times by all individuals that are occupying the laboratory
area. The area of skin between the shoe and ankle must not be exposed
Hygiene Measures: Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after
handling the product.
Section 6 – Engineering Controls
Engineering Controls: The use of ammonia must be conducted in a properly-functioning chemical fume hood. The
chemical fume hood must be approved and certified by EH&S and have a face velocity between 80 – 125 feet per
minute. Inside the fume hood, keep these materials away from oxidizing agents, acids, and moisture/water.
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Section 7 – First Aid Procedures
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If inhaled:
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Remove person to fresh air. If not breathing administer artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, administer
oxygen. Obtain prompt medical attention.
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In case of skin contact:
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Flush affected area with large quantities of water. Remove contaminated clothing immediately. If liquid
comes in contact with skin, remove contaminated clothing and flush with plenty of lukewarm water for several
minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.
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In case of eye contact:
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Flush eyes with large quantities of water. Seek medical attention immediately.
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If swallowed:
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Ingestion is not a likely route of exposure for Ammonia
Section 8 – Special Handling and Storage Requirements
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Always wear appropriate PPE when handling. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Avoid inhalation.
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Keep containers tightly closed. Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
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Incompatible with the following materials: oxidizing materials, bases.
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Contents under pressure
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Cylinders should be stored and upright and secure
Section 9 – Spill and Accident Procedures
Chemical Spill Dial 8-1911
Immediately evacuate area and ensure others are aware of the spill. If there is an imminent threat of a fire, pull
the nearest fire alarm station to evacuate the building and dial 8-1911. If the spill is minor and does not pose a
threat to personnel, contact EH&S at 8-8411 during normal business hours (7 AM – 4 PM) for spill cleanup
assistance (dial 8-1911 if spill occurs after hours and assistance is needed).
Section 10 – Medical Emergency
Life Threatening Emergency, After Hours, Weekends And Holidays:
Dial 8-1911
Non-Life Threatening Emergency:
Immediately report injury to supervisor and complete the First Report of Injury.
http://www.marquette.edu/riskunit/riskmanagement/documents/Employee_First_Report_of_Incident.pdf
Section 11 – Waste Disposal Procedures
Label Waste:
Make sure the waste container(s) is properly labeled; label should indicate all of the contents of the container.
EH&S provides hazardous waste labels free of charge, contact dennis.daye@marquette.edu to obtain labels.
Store Waste:
Store hazardous waste in closed containers, and in a designated area (flammable cabinet is recommended).
Dispose of Waste:
Complete a Chemical Waste Pickup Request Form to arrange for disposal by EH&S. Contact
dennis.daye@marquette.edu or visit the EH&S webpage for questions.
http://www.marquette.edu/riskunit/environmental/documents/waste_disposal_form.pdf
Section 12 – Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
A current copy of the SDS for Ammonia must be made available to all personnel working in the laboratory at all
times. To obtain a copy of the SDS, refer to Marquette’s MSDS library
http://www.marquette.edu/riskunit/environmental/documents/waste_disposal_form.pdf many manufacturers’
SDSs can be found online on websites such as Sigma-Aldrich (http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/united-states.html) or
Siri MSDS Index (http://hazard.com/msds/).
Section 13 – Protocol/Procedure (Add lab specific Protocol/Procedure here)
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NOTE: Any deviation from this SOP requires approval from PI.
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Section 14 – Documentation of Training (signature of all users is required)

Prior to conducting any work with Benzene, designated personnel must provide training to his/her laboratory
personnel specific to the hazards involved in working with this substance, work area decontamination, and
emergency procedures.

The Principal Investigator must provide his/her laboratory personnel with a copy of this SOP and a copy of the
SDS provided by the manufacturer.

The Principal Investigator must ensure that his/her laboratory personnel have attended appropriate
laboratory safety training or refresher training within the last one year.
I have read and understand the content of this SOP:
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Signature
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